September 3, 2026

Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is featured in the Gray's Creek Arboretum.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) invites visitors to explore nature at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area and enhance their hike with a self-guided tour of the Gray’s Creek Arboretum. Featuring more than 30 native tree and shrub species, the tour begins at the native plant gardens in front of the RRCA office and ends at the edible forest near the Conservation Area’s picnic area.

“Getting to know our region’s native tree species can unlock a new perspective while hiking in nature,” says Cheyene Brunet, RRCA’s Forestry Specialist. “Taking the Gray’s Creek Arboretum tour can introduce you to dozens of mature tree and shrub species in an hour or less.”

Featured species include shagbark hickory, butternut, eastern white pine, black cherry, and a variety of shrubs found in the Conservation Area’s edible forest.

Printed tour maps are available at the RRCA office at Gray’s Creek. Maps can also be downloaded at rrca.on.ca/Arboretum. Signs or tags beside the featured trees identify each species by its scientific name and common names in multiple languages. Each sign also features a QR code linking to additional educational content, including species identification tips.

Located at 18045 County Road 2, Cornwall, Gray’s Creek is one of the RRCA’s three publicly accessible Conservation Areas, alongside Charlottenburgh Park and Cooper Marsh. In South Stormont, a new Conservation Area, Limestone Ridge, is currently undergoing active restoration.

“Our Conservation Areas are part of more than 2,000 acres of local environmentally significant land owned or managed by the RRCA. These lands support our region’s resilience to natural hazards like flooding and erosion, provide valuable wildlife habitat, and offer recreation and eco-tourism opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” says Brunet. “As we head into fall, we invite everyone to visit the Arboretum at Gray’s Creek. It’s an especially good time to explore, with seeds, fruits, and nuts nearing maturity.”

Funding support for the Gray’s Creek Arboretum was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in 2022. Gray’s Creek also features a paved recreational path, more than 3 kilometres of natural trails, a park and picnic area, and a marina and boat launch. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca/Recreation or contact the RRCA at (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.